Horses targeted by cruel thieves

GEORGE NEWS - The owner of a beloved horse and the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) are looking for information that could assist them in prosecuting a horrendous case of pure barbaric animal abuse after a mare was found hung by a wire around her neck and her newly born foal lying next to her, shredded to pieces by dogs or wild animals.

It is believed that the mare gave birth to her foal while she was dying a cruel and inhumane death, ensnared by a wire tied around her neck to a tree with no way to escape or nurture her new baby.

Other stolen horses were also found tied up near the mare.

The mare was stolen in Pacaltsdorp five days before she was found by her owner in the valley between New Dawn Park and Thembalethu on Wednesday 25 October.

Unfortunately for the horses of Pacaltsdorp, this is not an isolated incident. According to a senior member of Pacaltsdorp Riding Club (PRC) who wishes to have his name withheld for fear of his own horses' safety, there has been a drastic increase in incidents like this in the area.

Three days before the mare was found, four other horses were stolen and found in a nearby valley. Some of these horses, a couple of them young foals, were also tied to trees with makeshift bridles and halters constructed of rope and wire.

In August this year, the owner of another horse found his stolen horse in the yard of a home in Thembalethu. The animal had severe injuries, presumably caused by using a panga to its neck, legs and head. Thankfully the horse could be treated and saved.

Dominique Goliath (12) and Brando Jacobs of PRC during an event two years ago. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

SPCA appeals to public

GRSPCA senior inspector Salomé Bruyns asks the public to come forward with any information to identify the individuals responsible for stealing the first-mentioned mare and those that were found near her, to prevent such incidents in future.

"Tragically, we discovered a deceased mare and foal, their lives cruelly cut short with a wire tied around the mare's neck, though the exact cause of death remains a mystery," she said.

In their efforts to combat such acts of cruelty, the GRSPCA is collaborating closely with the Pacaltsdorp police and appeals to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity such as children walking or riding horses with inappropriate equipment like ropes and wire.

"The SPCA continues to work in partnership with horse owners, reinforcing the importance of not leaving horses unattended and educating them on responsible ownership. Together, we can put an end to these heart-wrenching incidents of animal cruelty and ensure the safety and well-being of our equine companions," Bruyns said.

The wire with which the mare was tied around her neck to the tree.

Riding club speaks out

"We are at our wits' end," said the PRC member. "We are constantly being badgered about horses roaming the streets of Pacaltsdorp, and while there are some horse owners who don't care where their horses are, we are not them. We have a camp where we keep our horses at night and during the daytime they graze in the valley, but our camps are constantly vandalised and the fencing stolen. We repair the fences at our own cost, but to what end?"

The riding club and their horses are regularly seen during festivals and community gatherings. According to PRC, they have also assisted the neighbourhood watches with patrols and regularly assist where they are needed in the community.

"On weekends we keep children busy and off the streets while educating them about horses and every year we celebrate the club's birthday where we hand out free food, cake and cooldrinks to the community members who attend."

Unfortunately the club members feel that they only have the support and appreciation of a handful of community members. Their equines have also become the target of negativity, theft and animal abuse.

"We would really like the community to get more involved with us and the horses. Then they will see what we actually do and we can even take their children on short guided rides. The horses are a part of Pacaltsdorp's heritage and we invite residents to visit us at the riding club. Whatever we do now will be left for our youth and if we can keep the children busy by teaching them to spend time with horses, we can keep them off the streets and away from crime and drugs," the PRC member said.

One of the injuries sustained by the horse that was found in Thembalethu.

A plea for land

According to PRC they have broached the issue with the municipality, but have not had

any feedback. However, Planning Director Lauren Waring indicated that she was not aware of any contact made by the PRC with regard to grazing land requirements and cannot provide comment without such contact having been made.

"We really just need a piece of land where we can build a small livery yard to keep our horses safe. In turn, this will keep the horses off the streets, which will solve many of our current issues. We're not asking for money, we just need somewhere where we can care for our horses while educating others," the member said.

PRC member Brendo Tromp gives a child a horseback ride.

Municipality condemns abuse

According to George Municipality's communications manager Chantèl Edwards, the municipality strongly condemns malicious cruelty to animals.

"But it must be noted that the SPCA movement, as per the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, enforces legislation relating to animal welfare. Municipal Law Enforcement can only enforce the applicable by-law to combat such criminal actions," she said.

She stated that the onus of keeping horses and other farm animals safe and sheltered, remains that of the owner. "Unfortunately a lack of taking responsibility often leads to vehicle accidents, stolen animals, damage to property and malicious cruelty."

The local by-law also prohibits the keeping of farm animals in residential areas.

Stolen animals should be reported to the police and enquiries of possible impoundment directed to the local SPCA.

PRC member Ruduwaan Cemmers with horses Crystal (left) and Satar.